Having the resiliency to continue caring about the world’s social problems is not an easy task to accomplish; among many other things it takes care, selflessness and the will to never give up. Yusef Ramelize embodies all those qualities and more. The 33 year old, Production Manager at Informa Plc is the man behind the Homeless for One Week project. In the beginning of 2009, Ramelize made the choice to take on the homeless epidemic in New York City and the entire country. With the financial crisis and unemployment at an all time high, the risk of becoming or remaining homeless is greater than ever. The Homeless for One Week project is so special and unique; it is social activism at its finest. In February of 2009 Yusef Ramelize actually gave up everything and went homeless for one week on the streets of New York City. His goal was to do something that drew attention to this devastating problem while making a sacrifice for those who are without a home. At the same time he raised money through donations, which went directly to the Coalition for the Homeless (the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women, and children).
It’s 2010 and Ramelize is getting ready to go homeless for one week again. This time it will be in the summer during the month of Ramadan from August 15th-August 21st. He is going to experience the reality of thousands of inopportune New Yorkers; he will leave his keys at home as well as his money and other essentials. In addition, just as last year he wants to bring attention to the issue of homelessness in New York City, America and worldwide. “I want my experience to open people’s eyes and help inspire them to want to do more”. Yusef Ramelize has an excellent grasp on this issue as a whole, if you visit the Homeless for One Week website you will see how he incorporates the many voices of the homeless in New York City: families, singles, those in shelters, those who use to lived with family members for a period of time and the most heartbreaking to many: those who live on the streets. Nonetheless, he feels it’s imperative that they’re all represented in an effort to bring awareness and help this problem.
Last year he raised over $3,635 from a goal of $5,000 that was donated to the Coalition for the Homeless. This year the goal is $5,000 again and he has already raised over $1,000. Clearly, the support has already begun for this remarkable and impressive cause. Ramelize is dedicated to this project and says he will do it every year until he feels it is given the attention it deserves. What is even more admirable about Ramelize is his level of empathy for others. On the website he states “many of us have become numb to the trials of homelessness; as someone with a home– and very grateful for my home… I believe it’s very important to be sensitive to this serious issue that can truly happen to us at any time. For most, being homeless is not a choice.” To have understanding and sensitivity for others is an excellent attribute. This combined with being dedicated to going homeless for one week, is the perfect model for inspiring others to take action.
Ramelize will be hosting a “Pre-fund raising” event on August 5th, 6:00pm-9:30pm at Gallery Bar on the Lower Eastside, NYC. (120 Orchard Street). It is FREE and open to the public. For more information about this event and the Homeless for One Week project please visit http://www.homelessforoneweek.com/ or send an email to .
Mika Fryer, is a freelance writer and native New Yorker. She is passionate about social activism, and fashion! You can visit her on the web at www.mikanewyork.tumblr.com
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